The New Orleans Pelicans are in Charlotte tonight where they’ll battle the Hornets to remain unbeaten.
In their season-opening 130-108 victory over the Nets, we received a good look at the Pelicans’ blueprint for beating opponents this season.
One, live large and dominate the lane. Possessing Zion Williamson, a team should strive to win the points-in-the-paint, second-chance-points and free-throw-attempts categories by large margins. While the Pels only enjoyed an additional shot from the charity stripe, they massacred the Nets in the other two areas (62-46 PITP, 36-4 2nd chance).
Two, protect the paint.